Reversing centuries of tradition, leaders of the British Commonwealth realms have enacted legislation which change the rules of succession to the British Crown. Under the current system, male children take precedence over all females... meaning a son, no matter how young would jump over older sisters in terms of inheritance of the Monarchy.

This past Friday, under the guidance of Queen Elizabeth II, those rules have changed. Under the new law, if a female child is first born to either the current monarch, or the heir to the throne, that child will claim the rights ofinheritance. The changes to the law does not affect the current state of the Monarchy as Queen Elizabeth's oldest child is Prince Charles, and Prince Charles' children are both male. However if Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton's first child is a girl, she will indeed be the heir to the British Crown.

In addition to the succession law change, the rule banning a member of the Royal Family from marrying a Catholic has also been revoked. This origin of this law dates to the 16th Century and King Henry VIII's break with the Roman Catholic Church.

Each Commonwealth Realm must approve the changes to the law before it is made official, but there does not appear to be any opposition to the changes.

The Commonwealth Nations (of which Queen Elizabeth II is the ruling Monarch) include: Great Britain (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales), Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Jamaica, Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Barbados, Grenada, Belize, St. Christopher and Nevis, St. Lucia, the Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Papua New Guinea.

Elisabeth R per6

10/31/2011 04:32:58 am

I say good for them it's great that they decided to put a modern twist to a monarchy.

Lindsay Period 1

10/31/2011 07:18:10 am

I think it's great that women in different countries are finally standing up for themselves and rebelling!

Jessica Period 2

10/31/2011 10:53:32 am

I think it's great that things are FINALLY changing and women are getting the equality they deserve. Someone's gender doesn't necessarily define what they are capable of, so gender inequality shouldn't be something we still struggle with in today's world.

Jenna; Period 1

11/1/2011 10:41:33 am

I think it's really amazing that women in history have gone from barely anything, to what they are today. This makes me hope that Prince William and Kate Middleton's first child is a girl. YOU GO GIRLS ;-)

Monica Period 6

11/1/2011 11:11:30 am

I think its terrific that women are finally getting the equality they deserve and are now standing up for themselves! Theres nothing a guy can do that a women cant! Gender has nothing to do with what they are capable of.

Victoria period 6

11/2/2011 04:39:03 am

In the world today is still surprising to read about other countries and their views on men and women equal rights. It is great to see that the queen has stepped up and brought this law forward. Finally women are receiving the equality that they deserve!

Julianna Period 2

11/2/2011 05:36:13 am

I like this article very much. Girls are finally becoming equal to men. The new law of the first born (either male or female) becomes the ruler is awesome! Girls are just as smart as boys. Finally, how long did this take?! Well, I'm glad it has changed now. I hope Kate & Prince William's first child is a girl, that would be awesome!

Heather ; period 1

11/3/2011 08:58:31 am

I love seeing things about women are becoming equal to men. Girls can do anything that a boy could do and i'm happy they've changed this law.

Mel Per. 2

11/3/2011 11:35:20 am

I find this really interesting as it is a great change to long standing tradition in the English monarchy. This will allow more first born girls to have power and show the equality between a male and a female ruler. The rule against a member of the Royal Family marrying a Catholic being revoked is also a significant change. These changes in rules show progression in how the monarchy works and how there will be gradual changes in the future regarding power and marriage.

emma period 6

11/3/2011 01:05:33 pm

i think it is really cool that women finally get to have some attention. It is kind of sad that it took this long though. I think that even thought this will change the monarchy, I think it will give a new twist and vibe to the crown. good for Queend Elizabeth!

Shawn Period 3

11/4/2011 12:19:53 am

I'm not really sure if it will be a good idea to have a women in charge because they have never done it before and may change things that should stay the same.

Alexis Period 1

11/4/2011 11:55:12 am

honestly i can't even tell you what kings or queens or whatever do, i don't think they have an impact on america so it doesn't matter to me if women are in charge, i'm in a completely different country! i mean girls are smart and mature faster than guys so i guess this is good for us...
but, GO GIRLS AND BOYS BECAUSE WITHOUT BOTH OF US THERE'D BE NO BABIES!!

p.s. i love you prince william!!!!:-)

Britney Period 1

11/4/2011 01:06:31 pm

I think it is great that women in other countries are finally taking a stand and becoming equal to men. Females can do anything males can do. Now i want Prince William and Kate's first child to be a girl.

Cody period 3

11/4/2011 01:32:50 pm

This is great. it all goes back to men and woman being equally treated and now this is a huge step which is necesssary.

Allie Period 3

11/5/2011 02:08:07 am

This is a step in the right direction for equal rights. They are setting a good example for the rest of the world by allowing women to assume rules of power. If only all countries could be this open to such a significant change.

Amber Period 2

11/8/2011 06:09:44 am

I feel like although it doesn't really change anything now (the monarchs don't hold much power), it is still a huge deal. It's like proving the point that women's rights have come such a long way in the past few years. However, instead of paying them the same salary as a man, they're changing laws that date back to the 16th century. It is a very big and profound way for women to say, "Hey! That's not fair!"

Keshia Period 4

11/14/2011 05:46:14 am

Its nice that they are letting women do more things that include them in the society. We have such a male dominated society. We need to let the women do more. They have a lot to offer.